Opioid Addiction Rehab in Houston, Texas

Opioid addiction is a condition where a person becomes dependent on drugs like prescription painkillers (e.g., oxycodone, morphine) or illegal substances like heroin. Over time, people develop a tolerance, needing more of the drug to achieve the same effect, which can lead to physical and emotional struggles. In the U.S., about 2 million people suffer from opioid use disorder, a number that has been rising as more people misuse prescription painkillers.

Opioid addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or socioeconomic status. This addiction impacts the brain’s reward system, making it difficult for people to stop using opioids on their own.

At The Lovett Center, we focus on providing personalized care to help people heal and regain control over their lives. Through a combination of therapy, support, and treatment, we guide people on their journey to recovery, supporting long-term wellness and healthier futures.

What Are Commonly Misused Opioids?

Opioids are powerful drugs used to relieve pain, but some are frequently misused for their calming or euphoric effects. Around 3.8% of adults in the U.S. misuse opioids annually. These include both prescription medications and illegal substances. Here are some of the opioids that are most often misused:

1. Oxycodone (OxyContin) – Prescribed for severe pain, oxycodone is highly addictive. People may misuse it by taking higher doses crushing it to snort or inject for a stronger high.
2. Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco) – This prescription painkiller is often combined with other medications like acetaminophen. Misusing hydrocodone can quickly lead to dependency and overdose.
3. Morphine – Usually given for pain relief in hospitals, morphine is sometimes misused, especially when people try to get a stronger high by injecting it.
4. Codeine – Often found in cough syrup, codeine is commonly misused by people who mix it with soda or other substances to get a high.
5. Heroin – An illegal opioid derived from morphine, heroin is often injected, smoked, or snorted. It’s one of the most dangerous opioids, causing addiction and overdose at high rates.
6. Fentanyl – A powerful synthetic opioid, fentanyl is much stronger than other opioids and can be deadly even in small amounts. Often mixed with heroin or counterfeit prescription pills, fentanyl is a major driver of the opioid overdose crisis. In 2021, fentanyl was involved in nearly 70% of opioid-related overdose deaths in the U.S.
7. Tramadol – A prescription pain reliever that’s less potent than some other opioids, tramadol is still frequently misused and can lead to dependence and overdose when abused.

These opioids can cause serious health issues, including addiction and overdose. The rising trend of opioid misuse has become a national crisis, with over 80,000 overdose deaths related to opioids in the U.S. in 2023 alone. With the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, the risk of overdose has dramatically increased, making opioid misuse more dangerous than ever.

Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction can affect both the body and mind, and understanding the signs is important for getting the help needed. Here are the common signs and symptoms, including some additional ones:

• Increased tolerance – A person may need more of the drug to feel the same effects, leading to higher doses than what’s prescribed.
• Frequent cravings – An intense urge to use opioids, making it hard to focus on anything else.
• Behavior changes – People may act secretive, become withdrawn, or behave out of character as they focus on getting and using opioids.
• Physical symptoms – People may experience drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, slow breathing, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or weight loss. These can occur with regular use or during withdrawal.
• Neglecting responsibilities – A person may miss work, school, or social obligations, and relationships may suffer as opioids take priority.
• Inability to stop – Despite knowing that opioid use is causing harm, a person may feel unable to quit or control their usage.
• Withdrawal symptoms – If a person stops using opioids, they may experience muscle pain, sweating, agitation, irritability, or vomiting.
• Risk-taking behavior – A person may engage in risky actions, like using opioids in dangerous ways (injecting or mixing with other substances) or buying from illegal sources.
• Isolation – Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities is common, as the person may prioritize opioid use over relationships.
• Doctor shopping – Some people visit multiple doctors or pharmacies to get more prescriptions, increasing their supply of opioids.
• Confusion – Cognitive problems, like confusion and difficulty thinking clearly, can make it hard for people to perform daily tasks.
• Mood swings – Anxiety, depression, and other mood swings are common psychological symptoms of opioid addiction.

As opioid addiction continues to rise, with overdose deaths increasing year after year, it’s important to recognize these symptoms and get help early. If you notice these signs in someone you care about, offering support and encouraging them to seek professional help could make all the difference.

Understanding Opioid Addiction Treatment Options

Millions of people are gravely impacted by opioid addiction. Opioids are linked to up to 80% of all overdose fatalities, with synthetic opioids being responsible for 68% of overdose deaths in the U.S. To overcome opioid addiction, it’s essential to find a treatment approach that meets the person’s needs and provides comprehensive care. Here’s what to expect during opioid addiction treatment:

1. Medical Detox: The first step is usually detox, where the body is cleared of opioids in a safe, supervised environment. This helps manage withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe and include nausea, anxiety, and muscle pain. Medical staff are present to ensure safety and provide support.
2. Therapy and Counseling: Once detox is complete, treatment focuses on addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction. This often includes one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people understand their triggers and build healthier coping strategies.
3. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): For some, medication-assisted treatment can be helpful. This involves medications like buprenorphine or methadone, which reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to focus on recovery.
4. Ongoing Support and Aftercare: Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. Continued support through aftercare programs, like outpatient therapy or support groups, is vital for long-term success and preventing relapse.

FAQ’s About Opioid Addiction Rehab

If you’re considering opioid addiction rehab, it’s normal to have questions—here are some of the most common ones answered.

How Long Does Opioid Addiction Rehab Last?

The length of opioid rehab can vary based on a person’s needs and the type of program they choose. Typically, treatment can last anywhere from 30 days for short-term programs to 90 days or more for long-term care. In some cases, ongoing outpatient programs and aftercare can extend for several months or even years to provide continuous support. Research has shown that longer treatment durations often lead to better recovery outcomes, as they allow people more time to build healthy habits and address the underlying causes of their addiction.

What Are Opioid Medications?

Opioid medications are pain-relieving drugs that act by binding to receptors in the brain and body. Commonly prescribed opioids include drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine. While these medications can be effective for pain management when taken as prescribed, they also carry a high risk of dependence and addiction. Synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, are particularly potent and contribute significantly to overdose deaths. When used in treatment settings, certain opioid medications like methadone and buprenorphine can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making recovery more manageable.

What Is the Cost of Opioid Rehab?

The cost of opioid rehab varies widely depending on the type of program, length of stay, and the services provided. Outpatient programs tend to be more affordable, ranging from a few thousand dollars to around $10,000, while inpatient rehab can cost anywhere from $6,000 to over $30,000 for a 30-day stay. Luxury or specialized treatment centers may have higher prices. However, many treatment facilities offer sliding scale fees or payment plans to help make care more accessible.

Does Insurance Cover Opioid Addiction Rehab?

Most health insurance plans typically cover at least a portion of the cost of opioid addiction treatment. Coverage varies based on the specific insurance provider and plan, but many policies include provisions for inpatient and outpatient rehab, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). It’s important to check with your insurance company to understand what your policy covers and what out-of-pocket costs you might expect. Additionally, there are public programs and resources available to help people without insurance find treatment options.

Opioid Addiction Rehab at The Lovett Center in Houston, TX

At The Lovett Center, we guide our clients toward recovery from opioid addiction through a range of supportive programs. Our services include intensive outpatient programs (IOP) that provide flexible, structured care and group therapy sessions that create a sense of community and shared healing. Individual therapy helps people uncover personal challenges and build coping strategies, while our mental health services address co-occurring issues that often accompany addiction. By combining these approaches, we create personalized paths to lasting recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, contact The Lovett Center today. We’re here to help you on your path to a healthier life.